Tallahassee, FL - Residents of Tallahassee have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of up to half a million people across the United States and Puerto Rico. The opportunity for local residents to enroll in CPS-3 is being made possible in partnership with Capital Health Plan, Capital Regional Medical Center, Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center and the YMCA from April 2nd to the 5th.

CPS-3 will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. "My mom is a two-time cancer survivor, and I'm doing all I can to make sure my children don't have to say that ... I really believe this (CPS-3) is part of the answer," stated one study participant.

To enroll in the study, individuals will go to a local enrollment location and will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form; complete a brief survey; have their waist circumference measured; and give a small blood sample. The in-person enrollment process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. At home, individuals will complete a comprehensive survey packet that asks for information on lifestyle, behavioral, and other factors related to their health. Upon completion of this process, the Society will continue to send periodic follow-up surveys to update participant information and annual newsletters with study updates and results. The initial and follow-up surveys completed at home will take an hour or less to complete and are expected to be sent every few years.

"Many individuals diagnosed with cancer struggle to answer the question, 'What caused my cancer?' In many cases, we don't know the answer," said Alpa V. Patel, Ph.D., principal investigator of CPS-3. "CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer." Dr. Patel added, "Our previous cancer prevention studies have been instrumental in helping us identify some of the major factors that can affect cancer risk. CPS-3 holds the best hope of identifying new and emerging cancer risks, and we can only do this if members of the community are willing to become involved."

Researchers will use the data from CPS-3 to build on evidence from a series of American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s that collectively have involved millions of volunteer participants. The Hammond-Horn Study and previous Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-1 and CPS-2) have played a major role in understanding cancer prevention and risk, and have contributed significantly to the scientific basis and development of public health guidelines and recommendations. Those studies confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, demonstrated the link between larger waist size and increased death rates from cancer and other causes, and showed the considerable impact of air pollution on heart and lung conditions. The current study, CPS-II, began in 1982 and is still ongoing. But changes in lifestyle and in the understanding of cancer in the more than two decades since its launch make it important to begin a new study.

The voluntary, long-term commitment by participants is what will produce benefits for decades to come. "Taking an hour or so every few years to fill out a survey - and potentially save someone from being diagnosed with cancer in the future - is a commitment that thousands of volunteer participants have already made. We're looking for more like-minded individuals in Tallahassee to join this effort that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations," said Dr. Patel.

For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, visit cancer.org/cps3 , email cps3@cancer org, or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888. To make an appointment to enroll at one of the Tallahassee event's locations please visit www.seeuthere.com/cps3enroll/tallahassee.

About the American Cancer SocietyThe American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org .

By: Matthew GalkaApril 1, 2013

Tallahassee, FL - The American Cancer Society kicks off their Nationwide Cancer Prevention Study tomorrow, but they still need volunteers.

The long-term study is looking for individuals between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never had a cancer diagnosis. The American Cancer Society had a local goal of 500 volunteers in the Tallahassee area and say they are sitting in the low 400's and could still use some volunteers.

"I don't know of anyone who has ever received notice that a friend or a relative has a cancer diagnosis and hasn't thrown up their hands in despair and said 'what can I do?' Well this is what they can do," said lead ACS volunteer Sue Johns.

The 20 year study will begin with a drawing of blood and the completion of a survey. The study begins Tuesday and those interested can schedule an appointment at the following locations:

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